Easy Chocolate Chess Pie

This chocolate chess pie is an authentic southern dessert. It's best known for its rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture. After it bakes, it's crowned with a crispy, crackly top. You will go back for seconds!

If you have never eaten a slice of chocolate chess pie, then making this recipe is a must! Its delicious, decadent flavor is pure bliss! This recipe could not be any easier - just mix the ingredients with a whisk, pour into a store-bought crust, and bake it in your oven! 

This recipe is an old family recipe that's been passed down several generations. It's an old fashioned, southern tradition that I start dreaming about months before the holidays 🙂

Why You'll Love This Pie

Sometimes the best recipes have simple ingredients.  The chocolate filling always turns out thick and creamy, so there's no need to add cornstarch or flour to the pie filling.

One thing that makes this an easy dessert recipe is that you use a pre-made pie crust. You can use either a frozen or refrigerated pie crust. If you have a pretty pie plate that you want to use, the refrigerated crust is a good option because you can easily press it into your pie plate.

After the pie has baked and cooled, the pie will a slightly crisp top. And when combined with the creamy filling, it's like two incredible treats in one!

This recipe uses evaporated milk. I talked about how great this stuff is on a previous recipe post:  Stuffed French Bread. It really does make a huge difference in the creaminess and richness of a recipe. That's why I also use it for my Sweet Potato Pie! It's almost too good, haha!

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's a labeled photo of the ingredients for this recipe. I've included some ingredient notes as well. The ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Unbaked Pie Shell - deep dish crust is recommended to prevent spillage.  You can use a deep-dish graham cracker crust instead; however, a regular pie crust is more traditional.
• Cocoa powder - use unsweetened cocoa powder
• Sugar - granulated white sugar
• Evaporated Milk - adds to the rich flavor and creamy texture
• Vanilla Extract - use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor
• Eggs - it's best to use room temperature eggs (let them set on the counter for about 30 minutes)
• Butter - use salted or unsalted 
• Pinch of salt 

Uses for Leftover Ingredients

Unbaked pie shells: you probably have 2 pie shells since they usually come 2 to a package. And since pie shells aren't just for desserts, use the other pie shell to make this fabulous Savory Zucchini Pie. It tastes just like zucchini casserole but in a pie shell!

Cocoa powder: these homemade chocolate muffins also have cocoa powder in them for a rich, deep chocolate flavor.

Ingredient Add-Ins

Elevate your chocolate chess pie by adding unexpected ingredients that deepen the flavor or add a twist.

Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the filling. It intensifies the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.

Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the filling before baking and lightly swirl it in with a toothpick for a marbled effect.

Nutty Surprise: Mix finely chopped toasted pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds into the filling for a subtle crunch.

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the filling for a hint of heat that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

How to Blind Bake a Pie Crust

Before pouring all of the ingredients into the pie crust, I recommend "blind baking" the crust.  This simply means to prick the raw crust a few times with a fork and pre-bake the pie crust for 5 minutes.  I do this because the filling is very "liquidy" and pre-baking the crust seems to help the bottom of the crust stay firm and not get soggy.

Alternatively, you can use pie weights (instead of pricking holes in the crust). The weights do the job of keeping the crust flat and preventing air bubbles from forming.

You’d only prick the crust if you’re not using weights to allow steam to escape and avoid puffing. So, for a weight-filled blind bake, just line the crust with parchment or foil, add the weights, and you’re good to go!

How to Make Chocolate Chess Pie

Alternatively, before you begin your baking project, you could purchase a pie crust protector shield like this one from Mrs. Anderson's Baking.  Available now on Amazon.

Recipe Tips

• Before baking, place the unfilled pie crust on a cookie sheet.  Then pour the ingredients into the pie.  This makes it easier to get the pie in and out of the oven without spilling any of the filling.
• Do not melt the butter! Use butter that is soft but not melted because it will change the texture of the pie.
• The pie filling won't be thick before baking; in fact, it will be quite liquidy.  This is okay!  After the pie bakes and cools, it will thicken nicely.
• I've had people tell me they've baked the pie for up to 50 minutes, so please check the pie often. If the crust starts to get too brown before the pie is done, you can remove the pie from the oven and cover the edges of the crust with foil (or use a pie crust shield, this one is adjustable); then return pie to oven to finish baking.

Serving Tips

Transform your dessert into an experience by pairing chocolate chess pie with creative sides or garnishes.

• Top with whipped cream or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or both like we do, lol).
• Try serving with some fresh strawberries or blueberries, as well.  This pie is awesome when served with a glass of ice-cold milk!
• Serve with a dollop of peanut butter on top or on the side.  This tip brought to you by my chocolate-peanut-butter-combination-loving husband!
• After the pie has cooled, sprinkle some sea salt on top for that sweet-salty combo.

Presentation Tips

Make your chocolate chess pie visually unforgettable with unique garnishes and plating ideas.

Stenciled Powdered Sugar: Use a lace doily or a stencil to dust powdered sugar over the top of the pie in a pretty pattern. Note:  wait for the pie to completely cool before adding powdered sugar because the powdered sugar will get gummy on top of a warm pie.

Gold Leaf Accent: Add edible gold leaf accents to the crust edge or the center for a luxurious touch.

Mini Pies: Make individual chocolate chess pies in small tart pans or ramekins—perfect for single servings with a "wow" factor.

Chocolate Shard Garnish: Create dramatic shards of tempered chocolate to stand upright in the center of the pie. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or edible glitter for extra flair.

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